Chairlifts Have Been Installed at the Lakewood Museum
Individuals who cannot navigate the stairs at the Lakewood Historical Museum, Pine Park, now have a solution! Lakewood officials authorized the installation of a chairlift system from the basement to the 1st floor, and a second lift that goes from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor. Two independent chairlifts wrap around the wall continuously and both go up or down.
Both chairlifts, from Accessible Homes LLC, have a remote operating system that brings the lift to the user if it is at the other end. The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders (OCSMR) have installed a remote at the top of the first floor and at the basement where the train club is located. Each remote is installed inside a box to bring the lift to the user.
Ted Bertiger, president of the OCSMR, said, “This is a huge benefit to our club that has members with advancing age. I would guess that 20 percent of the train club members have immediately benefitted with the lift system.”
Photos taken by Ted Bertiger
About the Lakewood Historical Museum: The Lakewood Historical Museum, Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J., is housed in Kuser Hall, a two-story, 16,000 square-foot former classroom building. Through the volunteer efforts of members in the Historical Society and the Heritage Commission, the first floor of Kuser Hall has been transformed into a showcase, featuring galleries of Lakewood memorabilia and artifacts. Funds are needed to restore the second floor of Kuser Hall, and to acquire and build an elevator.
Kuser Hall is the last remaining building of five that made up the Newman School, an exclusive preparatory boarding school for boys, which closed in 1942 as young men left for the war. The building, which the township acquired in 1964 through Green Acres Funding, was the math and science center of the school.
Professional Networking Breakfast, September 24
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to a Professional Networking Breakfast at Harrogate, 400 Locust Street, on September 24 at 8:30 a.m. Kosher food is available upon request. Chamber members are free; the non-member price is $10.00.
Senator Robert Singer, 30th Legislative District, will make the introductions. The guest speaker is Justin Zimmerman, Acting Commissioner of the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance.
Sponsors of this meeting are The Lakewood Industrial Commission, New Jersey Natural Gas, and LCSC (the Lakewood Community Services Corporation).
To register and learn more about this program visit mylakewoodchamber.com or call 732-363-0012.
Flea Market at the Lakewood Museum This September
The Lakewood Historical Museum, 500 Country Club Drive, Lakewood Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J., is hosting a Flea Market, September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sheldon Wolpin Lakewood Historic Museum.
The cost is $10.00 per space and vendors must provide their own table.
To reserve a space or for more information call Robin Wellet at (732) 330-5384 or email Lakewoodhistoricalsociety1892@gmail.com. Donations are always appreciated.
About the Lakewood Historical Museum: The Lakewood Historical Museum, Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J., is housed in Kuser Hall, a two-story, 16,000 square-foot former classroom building. Through the volunteer efforts of members in the Historical Society and the Heritage Commission, the first floor of Kuser Hall has been transformed into a showcase, featuring galleries of Lakewood memorabilia and artifacts. Funds are needed to restore the second floor of Kuser Hall, and to acquire and build an elevator.
Kuser Hall is the last remaining building of five that made up the Newman School, an exclusive preparatory boarding school for boys, which closed in 1942 as young men left for the war. The building, which the township acquired in 1964 through Green Acres Funding, was the math and science center of the school.
Lakewood Community Coalition Brings Transformative Collaboration
The Lakewood Community Coalition recently hosted a meeting at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, for faith leaders, community leaders, representatives, students, and educators to foster collaboration and uplift the local community, making a lasting impact on the lives of Lakewood residents.
Dr. Pamela Monaco, Ocean County College, shared insights on the vital role education plays in personal and community development, underscoring the importance of educational institutions in supporting the community’s goals.
Faith leaders from various denominations and backgrounds talked about the challenges facing the community and the potential solutions rooted in faith, education, and collective action. All felt that collaboration across sectors is key to addressing the complex issues that many face in the Lakewood community.
Community Ambassadors, students from Ocean County College, showcased their leadership work and experiences. The students illustrated the direct impact of educational opportunities on personal growth and community contribution.
Yolanda Melville from the Attorney General’s Office and Valerie Segraves from 107.1 The Boss also participated in the discussion. Jennifer Hakim from Monarch Housing Associates highlighted the urgent need for more houses of worship to operate a Code Blue Warming site, a critical resource for the community during harsh winter conditions. Lady Erica Frazer and Pastor Frazer, Greater Bethel Church of God, have been operating the existing Code Blue Warming Center in Lakewood and require a new location to continue serving the community.
The Community Relations Unit/Quality of Life reported that through the collaboration with the Lakewood Community Coalition, they were able to assist those in need by finding shelter and other essential services.
Bacoli Pizza Pasta & Grill provided wraps for all attendees. Photographer Andrei Jackamets helped capture the spirit of unity and dedication during the evening. Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer, co-chairs Captain Steve Allaire and Dr. Cori Scotti from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Detective/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich; Sergeants Kenneth Burdge and Peter LaRosa; Officers Jason Yahr, Kevin Bell, Jeffrey Emmons, Joseph Soriano, and Patrick Sample ensured the evening’s event ran smoothly. Publicize or Perish!™
Photo of Community Coalition Participants by photographer Andrei Jackamets
Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners Secures a $75,000.00 Grant for Vital Personal Protective Equipment
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr announced that Lakewood Firefighters received a $75,000.00 grant as part of the American Rescue Plan Firefighters Grant. At no cost to the fire district, this funding will be dedicated to the acquisition of critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Lakewood’s firefighting personnel.
This funding will ensure that firefighters have access to state-of-the-art PPE, which furthers its mission to uphold the highest standards of safety and preparedness. The grant also underscores the federal and state government’s commitment to enhancing the safety and preparedness of local firefighting forces.
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners expressed its gratitude for this invaluable support, which will significantly bolster the capacity to respond to emergencies, and protect both firefighters and the community.
For more information about the Lakewood Fire Department, visit www.LakewoodFD.org. or contact Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator, at 732-364-5151.
Lakewood Seniors Unite to Defeat Breast Cancer with the Support of Elected Officials
A crowd of Lakewood seniors gathered recently at the Leisure Village East community off Route 70, Lakewood, to raise funds and awareness in the battle against breast cancer.
This first-time event was organized by resident Harriet Goldberg, a 34-year breast cancer survivor, and a group of friends and neighbors. The community ballroom was decorated with pink ribbons, paraphernalia with pertinent information on breast cancer prevention, and resources for those afflicted with the disease. A special “Grammies for Mamies” team was formed to encourage women to undergo mammogram screenings, the recommendation of medical professionals.
The event was co-hosted with the American Cancer Society, the beneficiary of residents’ generous donations. Stacy Neglio, Senior Development Manager at the Society, shared a summation of the organization’s services and activities, and highlighted the annual “Making Strides” walk in Point Pleasant Beach as the fourth largest walk of its kind in the entire nation.
“Today, the words ‘You have breast cancer’ mean something else,” Stacy exclaimed. “It’s no longer a death sentence.”
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles shared that both his mother and sister are breast cancer survivors, and that he is also a cancer survivor. “Anything we can do to eradicate this disease has our full support,” the Mayor said.
Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein likewise expressed his enthusiastic support, vowing, “We come together as a community to end this terrible disease.”
Assemblyman Avi Schnall presented event organizers with an official Proclamation from the NJ State Assembly lauding their efforts, and thanked them for the opportunity to participate in this “amazing” inaugural event.
Following these presentations, several prizes were raffled off to attendees. Then, with music and applause in the background, a group of women in the audience who beat breast cancer rose and walked towards the front of the hall in an inspirational “Survivor Strut.”
Indeed – thanks to a coalition of brave warriors – the battle against breast cancer is more victorious than ever. ### Publicize or Perish! ™
Photo #1 Lakewood Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein and Assemblyman Avi Schnall at the podium honor event organizers for their efforts.
Photo #2: Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles speaks of his and his family’s battles with cancer.
Photo #3: Cancer survivors at the event unite and celebrate
What Is an Instinctual Leader? -Join HR Professionals September 12
Instinctual Leaders understand the interplay between gut feelings and the analytical brain. As role models, they accept the challenge to see new trails for team success. As mentors, they build their leadership legacy by developing others. Dr. Lucille Maddalena will help attendees learn about leading through change and challenges at the breakfast meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, on Thursday, September 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune.
Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m.; followed by announcements at 8:30 a.m.; and the speaker Dr. Lucille Maddelena, an executive coach, at 9:00 a.m. The Career Transformation Group begins at 10:00 a.m.
Registration including breakfast is $40 for JSAHR members; $55 for non-members; $30 for each first-time guest and those in-transition; and $15 for students with a valid ID; Walk-in member is $50 and walk-in nonmember is $65. Registration is online at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155. The sponsor of this meeting is Ronan Recruitment.
JSAHR is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliated chapter. This program is pending one (1) SHRM PDC and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit.
About Lucille Maddalena, Ed.D. (www.mtmcoach.com): An Executive Coach with several certifications and deep experience, she became the first woman coach at six multinational corporations in the pharma, biotech, construction, and manufacturing industries. Valuing the opportunity to assist leaders engaged in demanding occupations to navigate the nuances of organizational culture, she guides clients to develop robust networks as they assume new or enhanced roles. Dr. Maddalena was the first woman accepted into the Labor Education program. Intrigued by human and organizational dynamics, she took a second major in Human Communications for an interdisciplinary Doctor of Education
Meet the Bands in a Special Gallery Show at the Strand Theater
The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., will highlight local bands in the Playlist Series, Friday, August 23 at 7:00 p.m. Za the Band, In My Basement, and Necrogarden Unplugged will be on stage in the Strand Gallery. Attendees are encouraged to meet the bands at the end of the night.
General admission tickets are on sale now – Individual tickets are $20.00. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.
The Strand Theater Is Hiring! – August 24 Job Fair
Lights! Camera! Action! The board of the Stand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, is holding a job fair Saturday, August 24 from 1:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Gallery. Some available positions are ushers; bartenders; and a Box Office attendant for all shows; and on Fridays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. No experience is necessary, but be sure to bring a resume and references. Email karen@strand.org. for registration.
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.
NJ Human Services Commissioner Visits Lakewood’s Common Grounds Community Garden
The Common Grounds Community Garden at the John Patrick Sports Complex, Vine Street, Lakewood, N.J., a special project of the nonprofit organization One Ocean County that aims to bridge the diverse Ocean County communities, is open to the public.
Recently Sarah Adelman, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Trenton, toured the garden along with Tova Herskovitz, Founder and Director of One Ocean County; Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles; Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein; Lakewood Police Sergeants Ken Burdge and Jeannette Shimonovich; among other law enforcement officials and dignitaries.
Tova Herskovitz and Ayala Schlossberg, Head Gardener, have turned this plot of Lakewood Township park land into a garden with a variety of unique flowers and plants. Visitors of all races, religions, and ages frequent the garden to enjoy its beauty and actively participate in planting activities. Lakewood Department of Public Works implemented an effective irrigation system to maintain it. Police officers and various other Township employees are also active participants in gardening activities.
“It was a wonderful visit,” Commissioner Adelman said following the tour. “It was inspiring to witness the ways Common Grounds Community Garden brings together people of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds to learn, grow, and share experiences in nature. I thank Lakewood for hosting me, and encourage community members to enjoy the garden and the spirit of unity upon which it was created.”